Ridge Petite Sirah, Lytton Estate, Sonoma County, 2010

Dry Creek Valley. Petite Sirah (88%), Syrah (2%), Peloursin (2%), Zinfandel (8%). 2010 Petite Sirah bottled March 2012. Petite Sirah is an important component of most Ridge zinfandels. Since 1970, however, we have also bottled it as a varietal wine. The 2010 comes from parcels on the western hills of Lytton Springs. Hand-harvested in late September, the grapes were destemmed, but left to ferment as whole berries - accentuating fruit and moderating tannins. After fermentation on native yeasts, the wine was pressed and, following malolactic, was racked to American oak for aging. Attractive aromatics make it enjoyable when young, though it will gain complexity over the next ten years - JO (1/12). Distinctive vineyards, moderate yields, minimal intervention, and extraordinary care produce the finest wines, their character determined by the site, not the winemaker - PD (1/12). www.ridgewine.com. 14.3% alcohol by volume. Grown, produced & bottled by Ridge Vineyards, 650 Lytton Springs Road, Healdsburg, California 95448.